We’ve heard from our readers, as well as various industry insiders, on their top sneakers of 2016, but we were also interested in which sneakers resonated with the more casual fan. To find out, we had freelance writer Justin Caffier, who’s covered topics like pop-culture, entertainment, and politics for Complex and other publications, comb through our site and come up with his own list of the best sneakers of the year. Read his rankings below.
I like sneakers. I like dressing well. I like dressing well with sneakers as part of my ensemble. Unfortunately, I chose to essentially shelve my college degree and make a career out of writing—this has left me perpetually poor and unable to fully embrace my inner sneakerhead and clothes horse. So I avoid diving too deep into those worlds, tracking the latest releases and such, lest the pangs of retail desire get the best of me and force me to spend money I don’t have.
That being said, I’ve spent years honing my finessing skills and I have a fair amount of sneakers, probably more than the average guy. I even get the a fair amount of compliments on some of them from people who seem like they’re in the know. They ask if “those are the Superboi 12s” or whatever and I have to sheepishly shrug an “I'unno.”
These interactions lead me to believe my instincts are at least somewhat decent. So let’s test that theory by having me pick my top ten pairs of 2016 from a pool that the Sole Collector team has compiled.
We’ve heard from our readers, as well as various industry insiders, on their top sneakers of 2016, but we were also interested in which sneakers resonated with the more casual fan. To find out, we had freelance writer Justin Caffier, who’s covered topics like pop-culture, entertainment, and politics for Complex and other publications, comb through our site and come up with his own list of the best sneakers of the year. Read his rankings below.
I like sneakers. I like dressing well. I like dressing well with sneakers as part of my ensemble. Unfortunately, I chose to essentially shelve my college degree and make a career out of writing—this has left me perpetually poor and unable to fully embrace my inner sneakerhead and clothes horse. So I avoid diving too deep into those worlds, tracking the latest releases and such, lest the pangs of retail desire get the best of me and force me to spend money I don’t have.
That being said, I’ve spent years honing my finessing skills and I have a fair amount of sneakers, probably more than the average guy. I even get the a fair amount of compliments on some of them from people who seem like they’re in the know. They ask if “those are the Superboi 12s” or whatever and I have to sheepishly shrug an “I'unno.”
These interactions lead me to believe my instincts are at least somewhat decent. So let’s test that theory by having me pick my top ten pairs of 2016 from a pool that the Sole Collector team has compiled.
Adidas Yeezy Boost 750 "Glow in the Dark"
My stance on Yeezys hasn’t wavered too much in the wake of their creator going batshit and breaking bread with fascists. I’m willing to forgive his transgressions if we can wear these in the forthcoming labor camps.
Solefly x Air Jordan 16
These look like they were designed by an architecture firm that keeps a bunch of Bauhaus coffee table books in the lobby. That’s not a bad thing!
Nike Hyperadapt
If Windows XP were a shoe, it’d be this. That’s the next logical progression from early ‘90s vaporwave aesthetic anyway, right? I can hear the comforting startup sound chimes just looking at it.
Nike Kyrie 2 "Ky-Rispy Kreme"
These are super whimsical and fresh and I would love to own them. The only thing bugging me is that I feel like the heel panel evokes cliché Antelope Valley photography more than fried dough.
Solefly x Air Jordan 23
These are cool for two reasons. First, the sole has a cool polygonal thing going on. Secondly, if I squint I can sorta see that “S” thing we all used to doodle on the sides. I could do without the close up of the Declaration of Independence or whatever on the toecap.
Nike Air Force 1 Low "Linen"
I don’t typically like Air Force 1s. The colors are what really sell me here. I’ve found myself taking wardrobe cues from makeup palates lately so these would go well with my growing collection of shirts and pants that make me look like a giant contouring line.
Air Jordan 11 Retro "Space Jam"
I’m sure this will get me crucified by you lot but I find most Jordans to be hideous. It often feels like the designs are intentionally seeing just how ugly a design they can get away with. These are one of the few pairs in recent years where I can wrap my head around the fandom surrounding the shoes.
Adidas Ultra Boost 3.0 "Triple White"
The proliferation of mesh sneakers is one of my favorite fashion trends of the past decade. In a perfect world, I would wear these constantly and they would glow as white as day one, but I am a messy child and somehow my mere gaze would probably stain these IRL.
Pharrell Williams x Adidas HU NMD
Something about dystopian uniforms has always appealed to me. Clearly it appeals to a sizable chunk of you as well. I imagine wearing these snazzy kicks as a contestant in some Hunger Games/Legends of the Hidden Temple mashup where I’m forced to murder opponents at the Shrine of the Silver Monkey for the amusement of plutocrats.
Cam'Ron x Reebok Ventilator Supreme "Purple Haze"
I almost bought a shower curtain with this pic of Cam’ron that’s on the sole here. Alas, by the time I worked up the nerve to commit to such an audacious purchase, the Dipset store had run out and stopped selling them. These shoes might be my second chance at properly honoring such an icon.